Wedding schedule | An ideal timeline for photography

At the moment of this post, I can’t remember exactly how many weddings I’ve photographed. Although I am not a wedding planner, I’ve helped many couples with their wedding schedule (or wedding timeline, however you want to call it). Thus, I thought it might be helpful for you to have a look at an ideal wedding schedule, from the perspective of a photographer. I call it an ideal schedule because it runs without any hiccup. When my bride & groom have their schedule similar to it, they seemed to enjoy their wedding day most, without feeling stressful at all.

Before I talk further, the true expert of the wedding timeline is a wedding planner, whom I HIGHLY recommend you to have. They can help you not only with your wedding timeline but also with many aspects of your wedding. Having them makes a HUGE difference in how effective your wedding planning can be. In addition, when things get out of hand, they can keep things under control and allow you to enjoy your wedding stress-free. They are an investment that you will be so happy that you made.

The wedding schedule below is a starting point. When you look at it, although it works for many couples, your wedding might need some adjustments. Those adjustments can be sunset time, location, travel time, family photos, portrait time, special traditional cultures, etc.

5:30 – Cocktail hour & family photos (after you finish family photos, you can spend time for more couple portraits or mingling with your guests – totally up to you)

6:30 – Prepare for the reception and guests take their seats.

The reception timeline is usually more personalized based on the type of catering (full-course meal vs buffet), games, activities, etc. Here is a starting point:

6:30 – Line up for the reception

6:45 – Grand entrance & first dance

7:00 – Dinner

7:45 – Table visit

8:15 – Toasts/Speeches

8:30 – Open dancing

9:00 – Cake cutting

9:15 – Bouquet/Garter Toss

9:30 – More dancing

This is a typical 8-hour American wedding that my clients usually have. Some have the coverage start earlier for more getting ready photos, or later for more dancing photos. Some extend both ends.

It’s worth noticing that the above wedding timeline doesn’t have any travel time since getting ready is at the same location as the ceremony and the reception. If you get ready at a different location, pay close attention to the travel time and parking time as they might delay your wedding schedule. You should book additional hours instead of trying to squeeze everything in the same coverage.

Our final thought about wedding schedule:

Don’t try to do this alone. This will be stressful without additional help from an expert.

More time is safer than enough. When planning your timeline, allow extra room for any possible delay.

Plan early so that you have time to adjust and discuss with your photographer/planner for any necessary adjustment.

A great wedding schedule determines how you will enjoy and remember your wedding day.